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Abreu leaves game with left wrist sprain

Abreu leaves game with left wrist sprain

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PHOENIX -- The D-backs were defeated by the visiting Toronto Blue Jays, 12-4, Sunday afternoon, but the hometown team may have lost something much more important: a reliable and hot-hitting utility infielder.

Tony Abreu exited Sunday's game in the top of the fifth inning after suffering a "left wrist sprain," which is putting it mildly.

Postgame, Arizona manager A.J. Hinch said it was "probable" that Abreu would be placed on the 15-day disabled list. Hinch added that Abreu would be evaluated by the team's hand specialist, Dr. Don Sheridan.

Abreu suffered the injury during the Jays' five-run fifth inning, when catcher Jose Molina, the sixth batter to come to the plate, attempted to stretch his run-scoring single into a double and, while sliding into second base, appeared to hit Abreu with the spikes on his cleat. In the process, Abreu's left (glove) hand was bent back, and he immediately began to feel pain in both his wrist and forearm.

Visibly frustrated, Abreu was wearing a wrap on his injured arm when he said he hasn't suffered a similar injury during his career. He added that he wasn't sure if he suffered any broken bones.

While the D-backs' brass has Monday's off-day to milk any decisions, Hinch said likely candidates to replace Abreu on the Major League roster include Triple-A Reno infielders Ryan Roberts and Pedro Ciriaco and recently demoted outfielder Cole Gillespie.

Abreu was making his second start in as many games by subbing for regular starter Kelly Johnson. Reserve Augie Ojeda assumed Abreu's post at second base, and his second slot in the batting order. In the bottom of the fifth, Ojeda singled home Conor Jackson for Arizona's third run of the game.

After going 1-for-4 at the plate in place of shortstop Stephen Drew in Saturday's 8-5 win over the Jays, Abreu scored on Justin Upton's first-inning single on Sunday. Abreu went 1-for-2 at the plate to raise his season batting average to .313 before exiting.